Apple has recently patented an unusual method for dealing with the much-maligned "notch" that contains its front-facing camera. Rather than use a system that places the camera under the display, Apple instead has designed a moving "window" that can open to reveal a camera behind it.
Xiaomi has announced the Mix 4, the latest in its Mix series that generally has highlighted cutting-edge technology and sleek design. The latest has an impressive array of main cameras but also features the company's first commercial launch of an under-display front-facing camera.
Several companies have been grappling with the physical issues that come with hiding a selfie camera behind a display, but Oppo seems to have cracked the code. Its next-generation under-display camera appears to have no distinguishable downsides when compared to one in a notch or hole-punch.
Multiple manufacturers are currently attempting to solve problems with a smartphone's front-facing camera. Current devices generally use a notch or hole-punch, but to keep a display seamless some are trying to hide them under the display itself. Xiaomi thinks there might be a better way.
Samsung has filed a patent for a folding smartphone with a rotating camera as well as another for an under-display camera as well as other sensors such as an in-display fingerprint sensor.
Microsoft has patented a new "logo camera" system for use on its devices. It uses a quad-camera array in the shape of its iconic Windows logo where each individual camera is optimized for a specific color.
Xiaomi has been granted a patent to develop an under-screen smartphone camera that can rotate and therefore act both as a selfie and traditional rear-facing camera.
Xiaomi has unveiled its third-generation of under-display cameras for upcoming smartphones. Instead of a notch or cutout, the edge-to-edge display will have a camera that's nearly invisible under the screen while retaining the standard quality of front-facing cameras.
Chinese smartphone makers Oppo and Xiaomi both teased under-screen selfie cameras earlier this month, but Oppo just beat Xiaomi to the punch in officially announcing and demonstrating it.
To avoid the dreaded "camera notch" interrupting smartphone screens, some manufacturers have begun introducing pop-up or flip-up selfie cameras. But, thankfully, the future looks like it will be more elegant with the introduction of cameras hidden under the displays themselves.